The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-10-25
CRIMES AND CRIMINALS
Vigilantes Attack Outlaws in
Indian Territory.
SEVERAL KILLED ON BOTH SIDES

LITTLE Rock, Ark, October 21.--A special
TO the Arkansas Gazette fromWawolla, Indian
Territory, via Muscogee, this evening says: On
Thursday desperate fight took place ON the
north fork Of the Arkansas river, between Bud
Trainers gang Of outlaws and vigilance
committee under the leadership Of
Robert Henderson, q Scotch half-breed
which followed them from Duckworth's store,
in the Creek nation on the occasion Of a raid
there on Wednesday. II appears the outlaws
finding out the size Of the force which was fol-
lowing Them decided to risk an encounter
and made haste to reach the river banks,
where they could find shelter behind the trees
and in the ravines which limo the banks on
either side. In this they succeeded, so
that when the vigilantes came up
they were entirely, for time, at
the mercy Of two score OF men who knew
not what mercy was. Henderson then took
his men short distance mp the river, where a
fording place could be found, then crossed and
took up positions on the other side Of the stream
from the outlaws and whore his men were as
well protected as those of Trainers men. The
river az this point is only about one hundred
feet wide, and across this distance, from Thurs
day morning until Thursday night, bull
lets were singing on their mission
Of death. When the vigilantes had
succeeded in obtaining this position, they found
they had lost three men and two more were scri-
ously wounded. AS Trainer found the enemy
in his rear on the opposite side of the river, he
sent half his men down the stream to cross
and come up on the other side, fighting under
cover OF the trees. In this coup d ctat they
were surprised by tho avengers, who
met them half way and opened fire
upon them, checking their course and
driving them panic stricken and prccipitately
back, In endcayorng to rally his men, Bill
Chuctt was killed, and before the river could
be reached and forded John Leeeh, one of the
rob6er gang, was shot off bis horse, but not
killed. Tie fight from this on was continued
across the stream, the banks Of which were
lined at distances Of about five rods
apart with sharp shooters. No sooner was a
head, arm or any part Of a body visible on
either side than leadcn bullet was seeking to
find lodgment there. AS Thursday night
was coming ON, Henderson called his men in
for consultation, when it was found that of his
force, eight men were killed outright, and
eight others had received serious, though not
fatal wounds The force was in this
way reduced one-half and it was
thought best TO remove the wounded
here and 60 back home and stir up reinforce
ments The dead were buried, and the
wounded, it was found after dressing their
wounds, were able to return home with the
party Ii is thought as many Of tho outlaws
were killed as of the pursuing party, though
this will never be known. Henderson says he
will collect a hundred men and follow the rob
bers to hades if necessary; that he viii wipe
them out.
Henry Ayres, well to do stock man, from
Cherokee Nation, who was one Of the party
with Henderson, says that Bud Travis was
killed during the fight. lie is Of the opinion
that not less than fifteen were killed outright
upon both sides, and thinks one-half the out
laws who were not killed were wounded. 1t
is by no means certain, that another party will
be organized TO hunt down the outlaws as it is
thought the severe lesson they have been
taught will tend to drive them from the terri
tory, or at least to put quetus on their law
lessneSs.